Music, BA
The Music, BA offers a dynamic and inclusive curriculum that broadens students’ understanding of music across diverse traditions and contemporary perspectives. Emphasizing both performance and pedagogy, the program develops technical proficiency, leadership skills, and cultural awareness through an innovative blend of coursework, ensembles, and private instruction.
Program Highlights:
- Expansive Musical Perspectives: Explore music beyond Western traditions with courses in global, contemporary, and underrepresented musical genres.
- Enhanced Performance & Leadership Training: Gain hands-on experience in advanced ensembles, conducting, and pedagogy to prepare for leadership roles in music.
- Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Designed to attract students from diverse academic backgrounds, including Ethnic Studies, Theatre, Psychology, Gender Studies, and Education.
- Professional Development: Engage in real-world applications of music through internships, senior capstone projects, and community-based experiences.
Learn more about the program
Get to know our well-respected faculty and their specialties, as artists and scholars. Or explore scholarship opportunities and an array of performance possibilities.
Music Curriculum
Earn an Music, BA and a Single-Subject Teaching Credential at Saint Mary's in just four years through our Single Subject Teaching Credential Integrated Pathway!
What can you do with a degree in Music?
With a degree in Music, you can pursue performance, pedagogy, conducting, and culturally responsive musicianship for careers across education, the arts, and media
(*Some careers may require additional certification or graduate study)
Music Teacher (K–12/Studio)
Teach voice or instruments; design inclusive curricula and prepare students for recitals and ensembles
Choral Director
Rehearse and conduct choirs; program diverse repertoires and develop singers’ technique and blend
Performing Musician
Gig with jazz bands, chamber groups, or solo; build a portfolio through advanced ensembles and recitals
Music Producer / Audio Engineer
Record, edit, and mix projects; support artists from demo to release across genres
Ensemble Conductor
Lead instrumental/vocal groups; manage rehearsals, interpret scores, and coach musicianship
Composer / Songwriter
Write original works for stage, screen, and media; collaborate with performers and producers
Community Arts Programmer
Create inclusive music programs, residencies, and outreach that engage diverse audiences
Arts Administration / Program Coordinator
Manage concerts, budgets, marketing, and partnerships for schools, nonprofits, and venues
Music Therapist (pre-professional)
Use music for clinical goals; complete approved graduate training and licensure after the BA
Saint Mary's Testimonials
"Studying music in college has allowed me to take private lessons and learn under some of the best musicians in the country. In addition to advancing my musical skills, I have learned performance skills that transfer over into making me a confident leader."
Emma Weyrauch, Class of 2022
Spotlight
School and Department Information
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